This is SUCH a helpful thread.
I wanted to ask, what is the view on flip flops? I have a pair that are gold, and quite smart, but i read somewhere that flip flops are a no no!

cremeegg,

I cleaned out my PM box!

Also, I think flip-flops, over all, are a no-no. HOWEVER, you are going to college in Los Angeles, which is decidedly trendier than the rest of these schools in terms of attire worn during recruitment. So I think you would be ok.

That being said, DO call the office of Greek Life at USC and ask one of the recruitment counselors. You might even bring the shoes in a bag to your Greek Forum/Kickoff (the Greek orientation when you meet your recruitment counselor) and get her advice.

Of course, living in LA, if you have a pair of those $17,000 flip flops like what Marc Anthony gave to J. Lo with the gold "feathers" on them--I'm sure that would be fine!

LOL!!!!!

(sorry, I just couldn't resist...)

LOL, I just had to comment on that. Butler had deferred recruitment, so I wasn't initiated until March. A pledge sister and I went out looking for whites but had a horrible time doing so. To this day we always joke about almost buying a slip to wear! :p

Thanks for the advice on the flip flops. I'll take them to the Greek Forum and see what they think. I personally think they're smart enough...... we'll see!!!

We also have deferred rush, and the actives bring ALL our white clothes to school with us so we have them after Christmas because EVERY YEAR we wind up loaning them to New Members for initiation and pledging (I have enough to outfit multiple people in white - but we allow say nice white pants or skirt and a white top in addition to a dress, and I'm obsessed with white clothes) Otherwise the pledges would never have anything to wear - white in Illinois in January is like impossible!

In terms of what PNMs should wear, I agree with whoever said a really unique piece of jewlery with a simple yet classy outfit. I would absolutely remember you. If you have anything really unique - an awesome pair of shoes, a pair of pants that look amazing on you, etc - wear it (provided its not too "clubby" of course). My freshman year I had these amazing camel and black pants that I wore during set 2, and I got soooo many compliments on them. They were kind of tight, but i wore a very conservative sweater with them - and 3 years later I still think they would have been appropriate.

I also agree with the no belly buttons, no cleavage rule.

I know this thread was directed toward a specific PNM -- but I wanted to offer some more general advice to everyone going through recruitment.

I graduated a few years ago, and I would say that incoming freshmen definitely dress a little differently than I did when I graduated. HOWEVER, some things never go out of style. I will offer my basic two cents on recruitment attire to every PNM -- some may disagree. I was a Rho Chi, and there were three things that stuck out in my mind, and they are:

1) WHITE PANTS , especially linen, are not OK after Labor Day (this is even more true for those going through rush below the Mason-Dixon line). White pants, skirts, shorts etc... ARE NOT PRACTICAL! They get dirty easily and you will spill on them because you are nervous! Besides, recruitment can be a very stressful time, and stress can make your period come early..... need I say more?

2) Wear a bra that fits. Make sure your bra isn't giving you back-fat because its too tight. An ill fitting bra will make you uncomfortable and fidgety, which can be distracting to the person who is rushing you.

3) Don't wear cheap shoes . A beautiful outfit can be spoiled if a person is wearing vinyl shoes that make noise when walking.


If I had to do recruitment all over again and didn't have a budget, I would recommend the following designers:

Lilly Pulitzer (call stores up North for good sales)
Shoshanna (good for the C-cup and above crowd)
Lacoste
BCBG
Laundry
Diane Von Furstenberg (her silk wrap dresses flatter every body type)
Nanette Lepore
Anthropologie
Betsey Johnson
ABS

No matter how fancy your outfit is, if you have a blah conversation and no sense of humor, a chapter won't remember you. Because, as the song from Annie said: "It's what you wear from ear to ear, and not from head to toe, that matters."

Anthropologie is an amazing and gorgeous store. I made a killing there this past weekend. They have great clothing choices.

I can't wear white pants?!!!

I was banking on a beautiful pair I own, they're lovely!

If your rush finishes BEFORE September 6, white pants are OK. That is, if you're the kind of person who never spills anything and you know you won't be getting your period.

Can we stay away from recommending designers? I think it may intimidate people to see a list of high-priced designers and feel you must purchase from them. I know just looking at that list I'm thankful I didn't have to deal with formal recruitment.

PNMs: Wear what looks nice, is appropriate, and is comfortable. You'll be able to find such things in any price-range.

i do agree. that list is daunting. sisters will not be checking tags at the door.:) if you look nice and presentable and comfortable in your own skin, then that is the most important thing. do not think that you have to spend a lot to be accepted

During my college days, I can remember my Pledge Educator (yes, we were pledges--not new members then) telling us that she didn't go through rush because she didn't have the wardrobe. It still worked out for her and for us that enough girls knew her and COB'd her right after recruitment. I know that this is a lot less likely to happen at some of the larger SEC schools, but in smaller schools it happens!

Oh, okay, I'll just use the $600 mom and dad gave me for books to buy 2-3 dresses for rush. :rolleyes: I have seen plenty of cute sweet and nice girls go through rush at all sorts of schools in clothing from the GAP or the Limited that were ABSOLUTELY FINE.

PNMs, you do not need to buy a designer name. These are good general looks to follow but you can get something just as cute somewhere else in the mall or even at Target sometimes.

But if they were "cute," "sweet," or "nice," they probably didn't fare very well, did they? We all know what those words really mean. :pWhat she said.

Did everyone miss this in reading the designer's names? Jhawk alum said "if I didn't have a budget, I would recommend the designers..." and then then added "No matter how fancy your outfit is, if you have a blah conversation and no sense of humor, a chapter won't remember you."

I think she made it perfectly clear you don't have to spend a fortune, but she was throwing some names out if you do have the money.

And how many PNMs on here are intimidated by that list of names now, and are worried that their cute J.Crew sundress won't be okay.

greencat, are you in a GLO?

I am in a GLO and a huge J Crew fan. :)

My point of posting was to show that Jhawkalum was offering her fantasy of a budget-free shopping spree. She pointed out that you don't have to spend a fortune. I feel that this was overlooked; that's all.

By the way, Old Navy has some very cute solid color cardigans on sale. They have a fabric flower in the same sold pinned to them. Very cute for a little cover-up, if anyone is out shopping.

I don't even know what Lannette Napore looks like. :p

PNMS, please PAY NO ATTENTION TO ANY DESIGNER NAMES THROWN ABOUT ON GC...it honestly doesn't matter unless the only reason the sorority wants you is because they think you have the $$$ to buy all those things. In which case it would be really funny to totally play them on that.

And... as I always like to say, GC is not gospel. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT SORORITY LIFE OR RECRUITMENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY, YOU NEED TO PICK UP A PHONE AND CALL THE OFFICE OF GREEK LIFE. Any opinions offered on GC are just opinions, the same as if you walked up to a random stranger at the mall. Your school's Greek Life office knows best.

I apologize -- I really didn't mean to offend anyone with my post. I guess I was throwing those names out there because they are good recruitment "looks". I'm a buyer for a large department store, so these designers are my reference points. By all means, these looks can be easily duplicated at stores like Oldy Navy or even found inexpensively on Websites like bluefly.com or ebay. I was trying to give PNMs a sense of what is appropriate dress with tangible examples. Even as an adult, I wouldn't be able to afford five outfits from these designers at full price -- that's why I said I'd buy them if I had an unlimited budget.

Once again, I stress that your conversation is what is most important. The PNMs who made the strongest impression on me were the ones who made me laugh -- recruitment is a stressful time for both parties, so humor is recommended more than anything else.

It's okay Jhawkalum - they are great outfits to try and duplicate since they're all classy and timeless looks.

and if anybody wants to buy me a Lilly, I promise I won't mind. ;)

I have another question. What about denim skirts for the first day of recruitment? My school says that a nice sundress, shorts outfit, pants, or skirt and the event is very casual. My school shows me that the girls are dressing in nice skirts, but no denim skirts. Is it okay for me to wear it? I have a denim skirt that comes down to my knees.

And oh, I agree with staying away from designers because it would make the other girls feel bad. I got a nice skirt (which is knee length, I may add) from Target for $15 and it's no prob to wear it to recuitment. You can go to Target or Wal Mart and find a good outfit for like $20-$40. So, there's no need to blow your money on something you will wear only once, especially all you non regular church goers.

I agree about the flip flops however if you see a girl from the "what to wear" brochure wearing them, then it's okay to wear them, but do no wear them to pref night. I also agree to check with your Greek Life office for the aokay signal.

Just my opinion, but I still wouldn't wear them even if they were in the recruitment guide. And i'm talking flip flops as in the really casual beach or shower shoe type ones. If they're just nicer dressy shoes that are more like slides, definately go for it. And I come from a northern, laid back system.

As for denim skirts, I really don't know. They're so popular right now, you'd think they would've included them in the rush booklet had they thought them appropriate??? But who knows.

What about flip-flop heels? My school's having informal rush this fall, and I was considering wearing nice jeans and a nice shirt, along with my flip flop heels. Girls in my school go everywhere with their flops EVEN IN THE SNOW...:eek: so I'm guessing that nicer flip flops with a good pedicure couldn't be too bad. But would I wear those badboys to FR? Hell no.

memories...
 

Wow.... reading through some of these posts, I'm reminded of my adventure through UF rush... and how I kept a Greekchat thread about it. (i'm sure you can look it up somehow).

I'm headed to my last year as a Kappa, and I can't believe how far I've come. I actually haven't officially been on the other side of recruitment because I'm an RA-- and we fall under Pi Chi status (b/c of our access to freshmen girls)... but hopefully I can answer any questions you might have.

Anyway... I don't know what else I can say that UF56 hasn't already said. (which BTW, she was in my rush group! hehe) But just remember that the way you present yourself is very important. Whether it's name brand or not, if you look sloppy, the girls will remember that. Just be neat, pay attention to detail like getting your eyebrows waxed, painting your nails (at least a neutral color), and smile. Give every house a chance and don't listen to tent talk. It's going to be tempting... but just don't participate in it. Not only will you offend girls who like the house yo'ure trashing... but you'll offend your Pi Chi as well.

PM me with any specific questions... I haven't posted on this site in a while... but it's always nice to read rush threads! Let us all know how your first day went. :)

Meanwhile... I'm waiting for Bid Day when I can see all my sisters and pick up the new girls from Norman Field!
:)

I know that I need to keep my mouth shut, because I'm still a new potential member, but I can't help but noticing the attire for Arizona State

http://www.asu.edu/mu/greeklife/what_to_wear.htm

For round 2, the girl at the end is wearing a one shoulder top. I feel that the top is for clubbing.

The round 3 pic shows that the same girl now second from left is wearing low rise pants and a top that shows her tummy. Uh, what?

Okay, I know it will be hot during fall rush in most areas, but those clothes that I told you about look like they're for clubbing. The others are fine. The "clubbing" clothes like everyone said is a big no-no, especially in southern schools. That's my opinion, so I'll shut my mouth for now about this.

culture of the campus
 

I see what you are saying, that is why it is all about dressing for the "culture of the campus" --- those pictures are obviously what flies at ASU/in a warm climate and what some think of as a "party school".

At U of Texas, most of the girls going through are wearing Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Harold's, Nordstrom, etc. with great shoes and accessories --- you want to ask everyone who goes by where they got their outfit!


It just reinforces some of the previous discussions that rush clothing varies from campus to campus. As a PNM, take your cues from the girls you see in the sororities and the other girls going through with you.

Re: culture of the campus
 

Well, I went through rush last fall and the girls dressed real nice. No low rise pants. If they were pants, then they were mid rise with a nice top. I know that ASU is a party school, but there are some things that are not appropriate for some things. When you dress for rush, it's all about dressing classy, except for Philantrophy Day.

What is the general consensus on halters?

I read the posts about them earlier in the thread but I'm still a little confused. I was planning on wearing a halter dress to the video round, which is the round before prefs, but now I'm not so sure. It's a dress that I feel very comfortable in (I wore it once around campus and felt like a princess, several different girls who I didn't know complimented me on it!) and it's an understated, classy print and cut pretty high - it's not something that you would wear clubbing at all. But is it just a flat-out "don't" because it's a halter?

I will be going through recruitment at UF as well if that makes a difference. :)

If your breasts aren't spilling out of it, it should be fine. But if you have a large chest, I would advise against a halter.

I agree about the halters (dresses or tops). Unless you have a fabulous upper body, it might not be the best look. Even then, I've seen alot of PNMs tugging at them to keep them in place as they sit.

My particular pet peeve is strapless during any stage of Recruitment. I've even seen women with perfectly fitting strapless dresses tugging at them. It's just not attractive. Then of course there are those with a little too much up top that really have no business wearing one in the first place. *shudder*

Most of the suggestions here are right on target. But here's some of my general advice for all stages:

- Do not wear anything too form fitting or too short. It is not only unattractive, but uncomfortable.

- Be careful if you are someone who is able to go bra-less. Many houses crank their air conditioning because with all the door opening they don't want it getting too warm inside by the end of the day. I sure you all get what I'm implying.

- Do not wear brand new shoes. You're going to be on your feet alot walking from house to house and you don't want blisters. (Back in my day at U of Illinois alot of PNMs would wear tennies or flats to walk from house to house, then change before entering.)

- Do not wear sky-high heels if you can't walk in them well. I've seen tons of women who are wobbly in their stilettos. They may be the cutest shoes in the world, but if you look like you're about to topple over then you've ruined the look.

- If you have a tattoo, ask around to get a feel of how the different GLOs feel about them. Some chapters/campuses don't care at all, but at others it's a big no-no. You may want to cover it with either clothing or some of that heavy makeup.

- Steer clear of fabrics that wrinkle easily. By the 2nd house you'll look like you just rolled out of bed.

- Consider how your clothes and hair react to heat, humidity and possibly even rain. (Bama's had rain at least 1 day in pretty much each of the last several years.) Choose styles accordingly. (I'll never forget one PNM who got soaked during a sudden downpour. Not only was she drenched, but her dress became practically see through. Obviously not her fault, but still something to think about.)

- Pref night can be very emotional. Consider wearing water-proof mascara.

gatorgirlie, my daughter(hs senior) wears a size 0 and weighs 93 pounds, she is 5 ft tall. needless to say, she is not very big , chest wise. she has a black, thick knit fabric halter top(lined) which she wears with a medium sized-print, black and white a line skirt and black strappy sandals, which have a medium high heel.the skirt and halter top were purchased at the gap a year ago. the dressy casual outfit looks fabulous on her and i would not hesitate to advise her to wear it for recruitment on 3rd party day(the party before prefs) if she stays in florida for college. she has worn it to award ceremonies at school. it does not look clubby in the least.

i don't think complete strangers would have stopped to compliment you on your dress if you had not looked good in it. if it compliments you and your feel good wearing the halter dress, then you will feel confident and that will shine thru. but if you fidget in the dress, or tug at it a lot, it might be better to choose something else to wear.

halter dress
 

Ok for Pref Round I was thinking of wearing this black dress I bought last year. It is a halter, is rouched through the body, and has a 3 tier skirt. It's really cute and fits me perfectly ( I am suuuper tiny and have a hard time finding clothes that fit me right, especially dresses - so I was kinda banking on wearing this, not looking forward to finding another one). I am def a small girl on top too, so I don't think it is overly sexy since nothing is spilling out. Also, all the other dresses I've seen when I go shopping are either halters or tube tops. Does anyone think the dress i have would be a problem to wear?

I am glad that 1.) Our recruitment is in the Winter.. so that eliminates the whole halter/strapless thing and 2.) Our recruitment is VERY informal (compared to what you all are saying) The first two days, jeans and a sweater (sometimes sweatshirt the first day...depending) is appropriate, and the third day, the reccommend khakis, and for Pref night, most girls just wear black pants and a nicer shirt.

sucker4yu, preferentials is a solemn, serious party and the dress you described might not be appropriate for that night. your description makes it sound on the "clubby"side, and at most schools on that night, most pnms will go with a more classic look. as others have advised, try to steer clear of a black dress on pref night, because many of the chapters wear black on that night. think the classic little black dress, but in another color than black.

if you don't feel that dresses do you justice, you might be able to find a dressy blouse or top and a dressy skirt(something that looks like a nice satin or silk fabric, or a nice georgette), in a color other than black. check out a petite shop or the petite section of a department store. i feel for you. my daughter has the same problem finding clothes.

Well I have talked to a couple girls in houses at my school, and they said to wear a black dress...so I guess I'll just have to find something a little more appropriate. I think I've found my 2nd round dress though!!

http://www.rampage.com/items.asp?deptid=24&itemid=7851

Would something like this work for prefs?

In general I wouldn't recommend Rampage... most of their stuff isn't too classy.

That dress IS cute, but it's REALLY low cut in the picture. That's a lot of skin.

And the the crinoline lining might bug the heck out of you, especially in hot stuffy climate. I have a dress with a similar sort of skirt that I love, but I won't wear it when it's hot out.

I would go more classy than trendy.